The Halide Binding Behavior of 2-Carbamoyl-7-ureido-1H-indoles: Conformational Aspects

Indole-based anion receptors with an carboxamide unit in 2- and an urea in 7-position were prepared and found to bind halides (as well as acetate and nitrate) in chloroform solutions at room temperature. Investigations of the binding behaviour show that the receptor is selective for chloride. Surprisingly, the truncated receptor 3 without the 2-carbamoyl substituent shows the highest affinity for Cl–. Thorough 1H, 13C and 15N NMR investigations indicate different binding modes for acetate, nitrate and halides to the receptor 2. The observation of a major conformational change of this receptor during the binding of the halide ions leads to an understanding of the relative binding affinities …